Lin Y. Preparation and characterization of nanoparticles shelled with chitosan for oral insulin delivery. Biomacromolecules. 2007;8:146-152.
The most common form of insulin delivery for diabetics is via injection. Although an inhalable insulin treatment was recently approved, most diabetics agree that insulin available in an oral form would be the most convenient and least painful way to follow their treatment orders. This, however, is not an easy request. Insulin is a protein drug that is broken down in the process of digestion. This makes it impossible for the insulin to reach the bloodstream and be of any benefit.
Recently, a Taiwanese research team found the beginnings of a solution to this problem. They performed a test on diabetic male rats, administering them an oral solution of nanoparticles, which consisted of insulin that had been bonded with chitosan. Chitosan is a substance that is found in the shells of crustaceans that has shown several uses pertaining to digestion. The findings revealed that they reached the rats' bloodstream intact as a result of this unique form of delivery and consequently lowered their blood glucose levels.
This particular oral solution has yet to be tested on humans; however, these results show promise in the possibility of an oral insulin treatment in the near future.